The Constructing Futures programme, which is being brought to North Lanarkshire as part of the St Kevin’s Community Hub project, takes young people out of the classroom and onto a working construction site, giving them practical experience and industry-recognised qualifications.

The initiative is being introduced to pupils from St Ambrose High School and Coatbridge High School, thanks to collaboration between Kier, North Lanarkshire Council, hub South West Scotland, training provider TIGERS, and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).

By providing pupils with experience of a real working environment, Constructing Futures aims to enhance their knowledge, develop essential skills, and boost confidence—helping them take their first steps towards a career in the construction industry.

"Constructing Futures is a site-based vocational programme which provides young people with a real-life insight into the construction industry,” said Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families.

“The programme takes young people out of the classroom into the industry to maximise learning and experiences, allowing them to take their first steps into the sector,” he added.

It also allows pupils to work towards a Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 5) in Construction Skills, delivered by the council and TIGERS.

Michael Ross, Chief Executive of public sector development partner hub South West, said, “It was great to see this programme in action first-hand and meet with the pupils involved. Initiatives like this are exactly what is needed in the built environment industry right now to encourage young people into the industry. When we tender projects delivering programmes like this feature on the scoring criteria we use.

"Well done to everyone involved in delivering this fantastic programme.”

In addition, Kier provides a dedicated on-site training space where students take part in hands-on taster sessions led by industry professionals, site visits, and employability workshops.

Phil McDowell, regional director of Kier Construction North and Scotland, said: “This is the third cohort of our Constructing Futures Programme. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme will have on the pupils of St Ambrose High School and Coatbridge High School. 

“I am passionate about bringing new talent into our industry, and I hope that the time the pupils spend on our site will inspire their future careers.”

Michael Davies, TIGERS Construction Academy Manager said: “Tigers, having initially met with Marie McGrath from North Lanarkshire Council and Lindsey McNaughtan from Kier, discussed the possibility of working in partnership to deliver the Foundation Apprenticeship programme to the young people from St. Ambrose High School and Coatbridge High School.

"We identified it as a great opportunity to enhance the Foundation Apprenticeship by allowing the young people to work on Kier’s live site at St. Kevin’s Community Hub. Using our experience, our trainer, Sam Beck, has delivered the training with a holistic approach through a relational lens to ensure the young people are engaged in the programme.

"We believe that this kind of innovative partnership working will set a benchmark for all future Foundation Apprenticeships, creating pathways into the construction industry.”

Pupils also receive Health & Safety (H&S) and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training, helping to prepare them for future employment.

Each participant is given personal protective equipment (PPE), and those turning 16 will complete their CSCS training and obtain their card, which will then allow them to undertake work experience placements.

These placements offer valuable site-based learning to support future career opportunities in construction.

This year’s group includes 15 pupils from Coatbridge High School and St Ambrose High School, including the first female student to take part in the programme.

The course runs throughout the academic year, with students attending one day per week on a Friday as part of the council’s Future Fridays initiative.